Drug for Dizziness May Increase Falls
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By
August 27, 2025
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3 min
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1
Meclizine increases fall risk for adults 18-64 and those 65+.
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2
9% of patients experienced falls within 30 days of meclizine prescription.
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3
Higher prescription rates were noted for women and specific ethnic groups.
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4
Many prescriptions were given before determining the cause of dizziness.
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5
Concerns about polypharmacy and drug interactions were raised.
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6
Further research needed to assess safer treatment alternatives.
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A cohort study involving 805,454 U.S. patients revealed that meclizine, an antihistamine often prescribed for dizziness, significantly increases the risk of falls requiring medical attention for adults aged 18 to 64 and those aged 65 and older. The study found that nearly 9% of patients who received a meclizine prescription experienced falls within 30 days. With a significant percentage of prescriptions issued before determining the cause of dizziness, the findings stress the importance of being cautious with meclizine usage, especially among younger adults typically viewed as lower-risk. Dr. Meredith E. Adams and her team from the University of Michigan advocate for further research into safer alternatives to manage dizziness and mitigate fall risks.
-
1
Meclizine increases fall risk for adults 18-64 and those 65+.
-
2
9% of patients experienced falls within 30 days of meclizine prescription.
-
3
Higher prescription rates were noted for women and specific ethnic groups.
-
4
Many prescriptions were given before determining the cause of dizziness.
-
5
Concerns about polypharmacy and drug interactions were raised.
-
6
Further research needed to assess safer treatment alternatives.
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